Haitian-americans Set To Get Some Political Clout

TONY MAN COMMENTARY

Haitian-American activists in Palm Beach County are hoping to show political muscle during this election season. Even though some are working at cross-purposes by favoring different candidates, the ultimate outcome could be increased political clout.

Adolf Alexandre has an ambitious goal and a fast timetable. "We will, maybe two years from now, become a force in Florida just like the Cuban community in Miami is a force," he said.

Given the work that goes into making a political force, two years seems awfully optimistic. Then again, if precincts with lots of traditionally Democratic Haitian-American voters go strongly for gubernatorial candidate Bill McBride, and turnout in those areas is up in a close election, lots of people will notice.

Alexandre and others have the same powerful motivation that many immigrant groups experienced during the past century as they moved into the political, economic and cultural mainstream.

"We want to be part of the American dream. Making money and going to work every day is not the ultimate. Having a voice is the ultimate," he said. "The Hispanic community does have that voice and one day we want to be at that level when a candidate comes to us and says, `We want your help.'"

Coming out in force for McBride isn't the only way to gain that voice. Pauley Marcelin of Boynton Beach is chairman of the Haitian American Republican Caucus of Palm Beach County, formed in December 2001. Marcelin acknowledged his task -- attempting to lure people away from the Democrats is difficult.

Having a role in both political parties could bring some advantages that do not come from Haitian-Americans' one-party allegiance. Some black political leaders complain that black voters are so reliably Democratic that they are taken for granted. When both parties are forced to compete for votes of a particular group, that can translate into even more power than the group can get from a single party.

Neither party holds all the answers for Philippe "Bob" Louis Jeune. "It doesn't matter for me whether they're a Democrat or a Republican." What matters to him is the political influence. That will come when more people vote. And more voting will come from knowledge.

He wants politicians to respond after the election when constituents need something rather than simply coming around to churches to seek votes before the election.

Jeune, who hosts Haitian radio programs on several stations in the county, is organizing an information extravaganza for Haitian-Americans from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Prestige Restaurant, 6186 S. Congress Ave., Lantana. Jeune said he has commitments from several candidates to attend, as well as from representatives of the Jeb Bush and Bill McBride gubernatorial campaigns.

Saving McBride

At almost every appearance, McBride says he needs a heavy turnout "from Pensacola to Key West" to beat Bush. What he really wants is energized Democratic constituencies, especially black and senior voters in South Florida.

State Rep. James "Hank" Harper Jr., D-West Palm Beach, sees hardly any effort to gin up black turnout for McBride in Palm Beach County. "A lot of people are taking for granted the vote [assuming] that African-Americans are dissatisfied with Jeb [so] they'll vote for getting rid of Jeb. That's a gamble." They may just stay home, he warned.

Harper is organizing an effort to get voters to the supervisor of elections headquarters today to take advantage of liberalized rules on early voting. "Especially in the minority community, a lot of people work two or three jobs. It's hard to get to the polls," he said.

Supervisor of Elections Theresa LePore warned that space in her office is limited so people might face a long wait. Harper said no one should be deterred because the event will include food, drinks and entertainment in addition to the politics.

It's 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at LePore's office, 240 S. Military Trail.

Footnote: Getting likely Democratic voters through the process early could help the party. The kind of turnout McBride needs could lead to long lines on Election Day because the long ballot with lots of referendum questions could require voters to take a lot of time. This could be trouble for McBride if many of his voters show up, see long lines then turn around and leave.

Candidates galore

With just 10 days until Election Day, Palm Beach County will be crawling with politicians until early November.

Besides the Haitian-American and African-American political events today, Bush and McBride will be here. Bush is scheduled for a barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coral Sky Amphitheater at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Tickets are $5; kids under 12 get in free. McBride is appearing at a 5 p.m. get-out-the-vote event at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 630, 1900 N. Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach.